Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa wakes up this morning to the start of its America250 celebrations, with the 2026 July 4th Fautasi Regatta set to launch the territory’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th Independence Anniversary. Weather remains the deciding factor, but anticipation across the island is already building as 13 fautasi crews prepare to take their places on the water.

The organizing committee — led by the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) and the Reid Family Group — has confirmed that today’s competition will open with two heats, followed by a grand final tomorrow featuring the top three boats from each heat.

The lane lineup, finalized during last Thursday’s captains’ meeting, sets the stage for a tightly contested opening round. Heats 1 & 2 are scheduled for Monday, June 29.

HEAT 1:

1. Paepaeulupoo — Cap. Paopaoailua Tino Iulio

2. Matasaua — Cap. Faleto’a Elijah Leasau

3. Alao — Cap. Satele Ali’ita’i Lili’o

4. Manulele Tausala Lowrider II — Cap. Tanielu Taufete’e

5. Iseula o le Moana — Cap. Leota Hanipale Hanipale

6. Fale o Latia — Cap. Moeitafa Roberts Mavaega

7. Lupelele — Cap. Faafetai Pagā

HEAT 2:

1. Aeto — Cap. Ailao Tualaulelei

2. Manulele Tausala Airforce — Cap. Mark Atafua

3. Fuao — Cap. Upueresa "Palako" Gaoteote

4. Fealofani Samoa III — Cap. Papatua Faima Tua

5. Taema — Cap. Faiivae Godinet

6. Manulele Tausala Lowrider I (Toeaina) — Cap. Fanene Apelu Soomalelagi

A press release from ASTCA and the Reid Family Group states that the final race is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026. However, “should weather conditions prevent racing on the scheduled dates, the following reserve days have been established to ensure the competition can continue safely” — Wednesday, July 1, and Thursday, July 2.

For the race, according to the organizing committee, the length of the race will depend entirely on weather conditions, with three possible course options the officials may implement based on the state of the sea.

If conditions mirror the near-perfect conditions seen during the 2026 Flag Day Regatta in April, with minimal swells outside the harbor and and the sea inside as smooth as oil, the regatta will follow the full five‑mile course.

If winds create swells and choppy seas, the race will begin at Breaker’s Point, a shortened route of roughly two and a half miles.

However, if the waters outside the harbor are too rough due to inclement weather, the start line will shift to Amu‘ula, along the coast of Aua village, where conditions are typically calmer and safer for the crews.

A total prize of $180,000 will be awarded to participating crews:

1st Place: $30,000 plus complimentary General Admission tickets to the ASTCA & Reid Family Group America 250 Concert

2nd Place: $25,000

3rd Place: $20,000

4th Place: $15,000

5th–13th Place: $10,000 each

In addition, a $2,000 “Most Spirited Team” Award will be presented to the crew that best exemplifies enthusiasm, teamwork, sportsmanship, and village pride throughout the competition.

Die‑hard supporters of Nu‘uuli’s Manulele Tausala Lowrider II — along with fautasi fans across the island — will be watching closely to see whether the crew can repeat its historic achievement from the 2026 Flag Day race, when it became only the second boat in history to win the championship in its debut appearance on Pago Pago Harbor. The first to accomplish that feat was Fealofani Samoa II of Fagasa, which captured the title in 2000 during the Centennial Flag Day Fautasi Race in its first year of competition.

Nu‘uuli’s Manulele Tausala Lowrider II enters today’s heats as the clear favorite after delivering dominant performances in both the second heat and the grand final of the 2026 Flag Day Race, where it held a commanding lead of roughly four boat lengths over the second‑place crew.

One of the biggest storylines this year is Alao, widely regarded as the most improved fautasi in the fleet. After finishing a disappointing last in last year’s regatta, Alao stunned spectators in April with an impressive run that earned them second place in the grand final. The village’s new hi‑tech fautasi, which debuted last year under the leadership of Satele Aliitai Lili‘o — former trainer and captain of Fealofani Samoa II — has quickly become a serious contender.

Another rising threat is the Fuao of Vatia, an up‑and‑coming crew that turned heads during the 2026 Flag Day Race when it surged effortlessly to a commanding victory in Heat 1. Their consistency and power make them a team to watch closely in today’s competition.

Still, as one organizing committee member reminded, all 13 fautasi will be out to prove a point, and every crew is expected to give everything they have in today’s heats.

"This year’s America 250 celebration provides crews with a rare second opportunity to race in 2026, giving villages another chance to compete for championship honors, cash prizes, and community bragging rights beyond the traditional Flag Day season," said the ASTCA and Reid Family group press release.

Apart from the 2026 July 4th Fautasi Regatta, there is a full slate of major community events and tournaments to mark America’s 250th Independence Day on July 4th.

The celebration will culminate with the ASTCA & Reid Family Group America 250 Concert, featuring Stan Walker, Kennyon Brown, DJ NOIZ, and NATO brothers, followed by a spectacular drone light show and fireworks display.

Organizers say this year’s festivities will be “one for the books,” bringing families, athletes, and music lovers from across the islands.