8:30 am Saturday: First heat of the 2016 Flag Day Fautasi Race is over: The course was from just off Aua to in front of Asco Motors.
1. Fealofani Samoa-Fagasa
2. Iseula o le Moana-Fagatogo
3. Aeto-Pago Pago
4. Taema-Leone
5. Tama o le Muaau-Faleniu
Our commentator Doug Tuigamala reports that they didn’t hear a gun go off to start the race but the fautasi had started rowing.
Fealofani took the lead, and Iseula kept pace.
Fealofani quickly pulled away, and as it reached the main dock, the Iseula tried to pick up the pace and came within reach of victory but they may have waited a tad too late.
Fealofani dashed for the finishing line leaving the Iseula in the rear, and Fagatogo had to settle for second place.
Another great race was between Aeto and Leone for 3rd and 4th. The Aeto emerged the winner of that battle.
Fetu o le Afiafi, which yesterday couldn’t reach the starting line due to the high surf, placed 5th and the final fautasi to come home was Tama o le Muaau in all their pink glory.
Malo lava to all the fautasi for a spectacular race.
Stay tuned for the second heat.
