mephisto

[magistra]

25d Vessel almost right for Mike of this parish,say SE-TER. Setter? Seater? Why?

[novalis]

I would think setter ( the compiler ) because, if memory serves me correctly, he is called Mike.

[magistra]

Novalis: I know Mike Laws sometimes sets Mephisto (much better than Paul McKenna, I think....favourite is Tim Moorey). I still don't "get" the clue though. Oh yes, I do! SETTEE is a Mediterranean vessel. Thanks.

[aeronut]

My Chambers does not show that meaning for settee.
Furthemore 35ac ends in r.
The "Mike of this parish" is most likely the setter.
But the answer to the clue is almost right, not right, and the meanings of setter do not include vessel.
The only other possible answer is seater and this can refer to a vessel as "two seater submarine," etc..