INTERNAL PALINDROME DELETION

The longer, two-word answer in this flat contains a three-letter palindrome. When that palindrome is deleted, you will be left with the answer to the shorter clue.

The storm's fast approaching,
And I'm on board ship.
The wind is now howling,
The sails start to rip.
I'm tied to the main _ _ _ _
Lest I lose my grip.
I'm wearing a _ _ _   _ _ _ _
In case we do flip.
My life's worth preserving!
Why did I make this trip?

HINTS:
1. The internal palindrome is EWE.
2. _ _ E  WE _ _

Answer:

I'm tied to the main MAST
I'm wearing a MAE WEST (life jacket)
MA(E WE)ST

Credit:
The Enigma
NPL Magazine
October, 2019
WITZ