Today on all sides and bottoms of the boats (5)
I believe the answer is:
holds
This might be a double definition.
'today on all sides' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'bottoms of the boats' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for holds that I've seen before include "Grips" , "Maintains" , "Clutches" , "Grasps" .)