Manulele Tausala III from Nu’uuli, also known as Low-Rider II, captained by Taufetee Manutafea Tanielu has won the 2026 fautasi championships.
The newest in the field of 9 fautasi competing today just sliced through the water and distanced itself from the rest of the fleet all the way to the finish line. But a valiant effort was demonstrated by Alao, with skipper Satele Lili’o.
According to our commentators Doug Tuigamala and Faafetai Loli, Alao was at the rear when the starting horn was sounded. But it came from behind and eclipsed other fautasi that were in front at the start, to claim second place.
The Fuao from Vatia was third, Manu’a’s Matasaua placed fourth, Fealofani Samoa from Fagasa finished 5th, Pago Pago’s Aeto in 6th place, Paepaeulupoo of Aua in 7th place, Manulele Tausala II in 8th and Lupelele from Iliili finished in 9th place.
These results have been declared official by the Fautasi Race Committee.
The consolation race earlier was won by Taema from Leone, Iseulaolemoana from Fagatogo was 2nd and Faleolatia of Pavaiai was 3rd. The Manulele Tausala I from Nu’uuli did not show up for the race.
In the overall fautasi race, Taema takes 10th place, Iseulaolemoana 11th, Fale o Latia 12th place and Manulele Tausala 1, takes 13th place.
Congratulations to all captains, crews, villages and fans. And a job well done to the Fautasi and Flag Day Committees for two days of well organized fautasi races for this year’s Flag Day celebration.
