After months of training and delighting crowds who line the waterfront in the evenings with their practice runs, the fautasi were told yesterday that tomorrow is the day for the preliminary longboat races.
Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs Malemo Tausaga said in an interview yesterday evening, the first race tomorrow is set for 9am, but the times are subject to change depending on sea conditions.
The first heat will have Fetu o le Afiafi-Fagaalu, Matasaua-Manu’a, Iseula o le Moana-Fagatogo, Manulele Tausala-Nu’uuli and Fealofani Samoa-Fagasa.
The second heat will have Aeto-Pago Pago, Fuao – Vatia, Paepaeulupoo –Aua, and Taema – Leone.
Malemo says the seven fautasi with the best times will qualify for the finals on Thursday morning .
To warm things up on Thursday, and in keeping with the theme of the 2017 Flag Day celebration, Youth for Tomorrow, the next generation of rowers will flex their muscles in the first heat.
Four fautasi will be in the line up for the curtain raiser scheduled for 9am Friday: God is Great- Pago Pago, Eastern District fautasi rowed by Fagaitua High School, Fagatogo #2 and Nu’uuli #2.
Then the finale of the fautasi race with the 7 best finishers from tomorrow’s race will vye for the championship.
The Flag Day Committee hasnt publicized the monetary prizes for the longboat race.
