Good for water skiing and smuggling

The MacGregor 26 is not an attractive boat. Decent headroom, galley, and accommodations created a raised deck and “generous” hull shape. But a lot of people love the compromises, and it has been a staple in the trailerable sailboat market for decades.

Since its introduction, the design has evolved through several iterations, each addressing previous criticisms and incorporating new features to meet changing market demands. The most recent 26M model represented a significant departure which got the attention of Mexican smugglers.

With twin rudders and a daggerboard, this model is intended as a powersailer, with provision for a gutsy 50-hp outboard engine that can boost the boat onto a plane to achieve speeds up to twenty knots. While the US Coast Guard regularly deal with small powerboats as they defend the US border, a MacGregor 26 caught their attention on March 15.

At approximately 12:57 pm, crew members observed the vessel transiting into U.S. waters and dispatched a boarding team to intercept. About 7 miles off the San Diego County coast, the patrol boarding team interdicted the vessel and identified 11 suspected aliens aboard, all claiming Mexican nationality.

The Coast Guard reported successfully transported the aliens and boat to the Border Patrol’s station in San Diego Bay. No mention of what will happen to the boat.