Crossword Genius

Racket around old vessel (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

boat

'vessel' is the definition.
(I know that boat is a type of vessel)

'racket around old' is the wordplay.
'racket' becomes 'bat' (bat is a kind of racket).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'old' becomes 'o' (abbreviation).
'bat' placed around 'o' is 'BOAT'.

(Other definitions for boat that I've seen before include "See 12 Down" , "Contest on the Thames" , "Small ship" , "Water (or gravy) vessel" , "Water transport" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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