Material used for making sails and ropes (5)

I believe the answer is:

sisal

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

'material' is the definition.
(sisal is a kind of material)

'for making sails and ropes' is the wordplay.
'sails' can be anagrammed to 'SISAL'.
But, I am unsure how this is indicated.

'used' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sisal that I've seen before include "Fibre of Mexican agave" , "Agave yielding fibre" , "Plant fibre used for ropes" , "Hemp fibre" , "Rope-fibre made from leaves of tropical plant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app