Crossword Genius

Part of ship’s company avoiding lucky charm (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mast

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'part of ship's' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'company avoiding lucky charm' is the wordplay.
'company' becomes 'co' (abbreviation).
'avoiding' suggests deleting specific letters.
'lucky charm' becomes 'mascot' (something bringing good luck).
'mascot' with 'co' taken out is 'MAST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mast that I've seen before include "Pole to support a sail" , "Upright transmitter; fruit of oak trees" , "Pole on ship" , "Long vertical pole" , "Spar to support a sail" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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