The ability to survive is an explorer's craft (9)

I believe the answer is:

endurance

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'the ability to survive' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for endurance that I've seen before include "Surviving" , "Patient suffering" , "ship bound for the Antarctic" , "Ability to stay a difficult course, courage" , "Tenacity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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