Fautasi fever is on and fans, villagers, and relatives as well as supporters of this much anticipated activity of the annual Flag Day Celebration are already busy preparing their longs boats and crews for this year’s race.
KHJ News caught up with a few of the fautasi captains, committee members and representatives during practice yesterday evening.
Pago Pago village’s Aeto crew put their boat for the first time in the water yesterday.
Captain Lea’o a Mata’utia said that the crew has been engaged in intense physical training for the last 4 weeks going up and down the Fagasa pass in the morning and evening.
They will see how that training pays off when the crew members are on the water.
The captain said that it’s likely the crew will start their “moetasi” or camp next week so they can discipline the crew members.
And it is then that their fautasi committee will make arrangement on how to take care of the crews meals.
Leaoa’a believes they are more than ready and his crew is well prepared.
He says however that the secret to a successful fautasi crew is honesty to follow the rules and do so faithfully even without supervision.
The sole fautasi representing the Manu’a group of islands, the “Matasaua” on the other hand has only one goal in mind.
The boat, which is captained by Department of Health Director, Motusa Tuileama Nua, has not yet selected its actual crew for the race.
They have not started their “moetasi” either awaiting the final selection of crew members.
Manu’a Rep. Vesi Talalelei Fautanu Jr. said “Matasaua” has only one goal for this year.
Even though Matasaua placed 5th in the 2015 Flag Day fautasi race, he boldly declared Matasaua’s win next month.
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