Crossword Genius

Loop split between stern and in the rigging (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aloft

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'in the rigging' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'loop split between stern' is the wordplay.
'loop split' becomes 'lo' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'between' is an insertion indicator.
'stern' becomes 'aft' (similar in meaning).
'lo' placed within 'aft' is 'ALOFT'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aloft that I've seen before include "Skyward" , "At a considerable height" , "in a high position" , "Up in the air, high above" , "as 1 ac [PEGASUS] was?" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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