Mast replaced by an early navigator (6)

I believe the answer is:

tasman

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'early navigator' is the definition.
'tasman' can be an answer for 'navigator' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'early' bit.

'mast replaced by an' is the wordplay.
'replaced' indicates anagramming the letters.
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'mast' with letters rearranged gives 'tasm'.
'tasm'+'an'='TASMAN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tasman that I've seen before include "Dutch sailor" , "Australian strait" , "explored Pacific" , "Sea named after Dutch navigator" , "Abel --, Dutch navigator" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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