Victory Eludes Fealofani for Four Years

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Fagasa village’s Fealofani Samoa I was the winner of the 1950’s US Golden Jubilee Flag Day Celebration under Skipper Lili’o Mile.

50 years later during the territory’s Centennial Flag Day celebration, the fautasi again emerged the winner of that year’s long boat regatta.

The Fealofani was skippered by businessman, former Senator and current Eastern District Governor, Alo Dr. Paul Stevenson.

After four years with its current high tech fautasi, Fagasa chief Atuatasi Talosaga says they have not yet won a race.

Last year, Fealofani placed 3rd in the Flag Day fautasi race.

Atuatasi has a feeling this is the year for Fealofani to reclaim number one.

He told KHJ News that their crew’s preparation for the fautasi race is focuses around their goal of winning the top spot and they are very serious about it.

The Fealofani Samoa crew started their “moetasi” or camp on Sunday after the village selected their best to row in the Flag Day race.

The selection is based on how fast they can change the pace of rowing.

One of the changes is that the main oarsman is placed in the middle instead of at the bow of the long boat.

The rower who used to be next to the main oarsman has been promoted to assist the Skipper.

Atuatasi said this year’s competition will be tough based on his observations at evening practice where all the crews are training earnestly with one aim in mind, to win.

He said all crews seem to be ready however it takes real physical strength to determine who the eventual winner will be.

When asked how he feels about the Fono and ASG competing in the long boat regatta, Atuatasi jokes that it may take the police speed boat to beat the Fono and ASG fautasi.

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