the smuggling boats were typically small, quick and maneuverable fishing boats with an easily collapsible rigging. the ideal smuggling boat would be able to sail across the channel from st. martin laden with cargo and arrive in anguilla well before dawn. upon arrival, it was necessary to collapse the sail and rigging quickly to avoid attracting attention of the authorities. this design lent itself well to racing, and as a result the smuggling boat is the direct forerunner of the anguillian racing sloop.