Crossword Genius

Sailor’s behind, a pink one? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aft

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

'sailor's behind' is the definition.
'aft' can be an answer for 'behind' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'sailor's' bit.

'a pink one?' is the wordplay.
'pink one?' becomes 'ft' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'a'+'ft'='AFT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aft that I've seen before include "near the tail" , "Rear part" , "Farther back on board" , "Towards the back on board" , "At the back of a ship" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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