Fautasi racing could be a thing of the past for Samoa after the cancellation of the Teuila regatta planned for this year.
And with the cancellation also of the Independence races earlier this year, this will be the first year no fautasi will be seen on Apia Harbor since the early 1960s when the crowd pleaser races first started.
According to the Samoa Observer, the decision to cancel one of the main attractions of the Teuila Festival, has attracted strong criticism from the public.
It seems the lack of interest from participating fautasi crews has forced the committee to axe the race.
The decision was confirmed by committee member, Ituau Ale, who said at least five fautasi boats are required for the race to be staged.
Only four fautasi were registered after entries closed, forcing the committee to cancel the race.
Tolotolo o Tama Uli, Laumua o Punaoa, Don Bosco and the Little Rina were the only entries this year.
Itu’au told the newspaper they’ve already contacted the crews about the decision and the reason behind it.
Principal of the popular Don Bosco College, Isitolo Stanley, fears that this could be the start of the slow death of fautasi racing in Samoa.
“We were informed two weeks in to our camp that there’s no fautasi race due to the lack of interested crews,” he said.
“My concern is that this would lead to the demise of the sport that our people love so dearly and that’s something we don’t want to hear.”
A budget of $100,000 was set aside as prize money to be shared between entries.
The 27th Annual Teuila Festival 2017 starts on Sunday and ends the following Saturday with the Miss Samoa Pageant.
The festival will coincide with the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, also being hosted in Samoa.
