The Manulele Tausala Fautasi, also known as the “va’a toeaina” or the old boat, emerged victorious in the highly anticipated 2023 Tutuila Fautasi race held on April 16th as part of the Flag Day celebration for Tutuila and Manu’a in American Samoa. Led by Taufetee Manutafea from Nu’uuli, the Manulele Tausala outpaced its competitors, showcasing remarkable speed and skill on the water.
Manulele Tausala won by a significant gap the length of two Fautasi between itself and the second-place long boat, Paepae o le Ulupo’o from Áua. The third-place was secured by Fealofani Samoa from Fagasá, followed by Áeto from Pagopago captained by Henry Sesepasara Jr in fourth place, and Iseula from Fagatogo in fifth place with their captain Taesalialii Lefiti.
During the race, Taema II Leone rowed by Aumaga Ilaoa and To’omata auva’a, as well as Matasaua from Manu’a, encountered a setback when both longboats began taking on water just 5 minutes into the race, resulting in their inability to continue.
The competition was a thrilling event, with Manulele Tausala exhibiting exceptional performance, and Fealofani from Fagasá coming close to catching up to Paepae o le Ulupo’o in a neck-to-neck race. The cheers of the crowd and the excitement of the event made for a memorable spectacle.
The 2023 Tutuila Fautasi race winner, Manulele Tausala, will receive a grand prize of US$20,000, making the victory all the more rewarding for the team and supporters. The prize money serves as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill put forth by the team in preparing for the race.
Notably, this year’s Tutuila Fautasi race marks the end of a three-year hiatus since the last competition, making the event even more special for participants and spectators alike. The anticipation and excitement leading up to the race were palpable, as teams from different villages in American Samoa prepared rigorously to showcase their prowess in the traditional long-boat race.
In Fautasi racing, the long boat in the front often has an advantage, as it can set the pace and maintain the lead throughout the race. The Manulele Tausala team’s strategic approach and excellent teamwork paid off, leading them to victory in the 2023 Tutuila Fautasi race.
The Tutuila Fautasi race is a display of athleticism and skill and a celebration of Samoan culture, tradition, and community spirit. The event brings together people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of unity and pride among the participants and spectators alike.
The Manulele Tausala Fautasi’s win in the 2023 Tutuila Fautasi race will go down in history as a remarkable achievement, showcasing the talent and determination of the team. Congratulations to the Manulele Tausala team and all the participants for their outstanding performance in this year’s race, and here’s to many more thrilling Fautasi races in the future.