The Crossword Centre Clue-Writing Competition

CCCWC Christmas Special competition voters’ comments
 
Clue no. 29: Need to repair spar when ship blown off its course.

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A clue to XMAS Stocking Filler (2 defs. + wordplay).
3 comments refer to this clue (from 2 competitors, 1 other)

Here is the text

Comments on the clue
1.Too many extraneous words: NEED TO, WHEN SHIP BLOWN, COURSE; also where is the 'container' indicator for ofF ITs?
2.Gets the idea OK, but first two words are unnecessary, no containment indicator for "off its", too much padding.
3.no need for 'need to' surface fine without it. However, no obvious indicator that the word is hidden.