Returning, the ships may be waiting for a wind (6)
I believe the answer is:
sloops
'returning the ships may be waiting' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'a wind' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'wind' could be 'loop' (looping is a kind of winding) and 'loop' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'for' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sloops that I've seen before include "Sailing vessels rigged fore and aft" , "sailing vessels follow" , "Boats" , "ships" .)