What does the cryptic crossword clue "Fencer with boat represented patron (10)" mean?

The definition is "patron". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of FENCER + BOAT = BENEFACTOR; definition: "patron" The answer is BENEFACTOR.

Fencer with boat represented patron (10)

Daily Mail Cryptic #17077 | 13 Down | 2023-04-17 flower