Takes the rudder (6)
I believe the answer is:
steers
'takes the rudder' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for steers that I've seen before include "Determines the direction" , "Directs, maneouvres" , "Resets (anag.)" , "Directs the cattle" , "Guides direction of, ship or plane" .)