The Fetu o le Afiafi fautasi from the village of Faga’alu is ready to compete in this year’s 2016 Flag Day Fautasi Race – even though they’ve had little time to prepare — unlike the Iseula III from Fagatogo, which hit the waters gliding in February, followed closely by the Taema II from Leone.

By March, most of the fautasi and crews are in the water; captain, crew and trainers are seen running in the early morning or late afternoon hours. And then there are the weightlifting routines and rowing machine practices to build stamina for the task at hand — rowing your village to victory for the 2016 Flag Day Faigamea ile Tai — tu’uga va’a. Ultimately, many fautasi aficionados believe — a hi-tech boat can maybe help you win — but it’s the crew and it’s the captain that bring the championship home!