Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — It’s fautasi season, and the newest longboat to be christened has already turned heads and stirred real excitement. Die‑hard Manulele Tausala fans from Nu‘uuli erupted with pride as the Lowrider II, with unmistakable authority, glided across Pago Pago Harbor in a smooth, commanding stride during its maiden run following last week Tuesday’s christening ceremony.

Pitted against its predecessor, the new kid on the water, Manulele Tausala Lowrider II did not disappoint.

Starting from a point not far outside the harbor, Lowrider I, whose crew were well versed in getting the best speed from her, took off on a two-fautasi-length lead. Meanwhile the Lowrider II crew were familiarizing themselves with the vessel trying to synchronize their rowing to acquire full forward momentum.

However, once they locked into rhythm, the crew began reeling Lowrider I in, closing the distance stroke by stroke before surging past it at Malaloa with effortless authority. It was a commanding display of power and precision, the new state‑of‑the‑art vessel responding instantly to every pull of the oars as it accelerated into full stride.

 It was as if Lowrider II was making a statement — that it was the next‑generation model of the beloved Lowrider I, and it has arrived sleeker, more modern, and undeniably faster.

 Modeled after the Manulele Tausala Lowrider I, the new vessel — built by Blair Boats of New Zealand — features a wider, more stable hull and is equipped with the latest high‑tech accessories and performance enhancements. Designed with an expanded stern, the Lowrider II delivers greater lateral stability, helping it withstand the tipping and instability that challenged Lowrider I during past races in windy, choppy seas.

 According to Blair Boats director Laurie Jury, the vessel — which seats 42 rowers — was built at the company’s headquarters in Kerikeri, located in New Zealand’s Far North. Constructed in three sections for ease of shipping, the fautasi incorporates composite construction, modern hydrodynamic design, and high‑strength, lightweight materials. The build took five months to complete. Mr. Jury and assistant Ryan Diilaro traveled to the Territory with the three sections and spent the past three weeks assembling the vessel for its launch.

 “The 106‑foot Lowrider II is wider and more stable, and it carries the same streamlined profile as Lowrider I — but it’s much lighter and far more high‑tech,” Jury said.

 Fautasi Committee Chairman Taotasi Archie Soliai told Samoa News that the new longboat cost more than $300,000, while the expansion of the boat shed — allowing all three of Nuʻuuli’s fautasi to be stored together — added over $100,000 to the project.

 “So the entire project exceeded $400,000, a milestone achievement made possible through years of planning and village fundraising,” he said. “It's been nearly 50 years since Nu'uuli launched a new fautasi. We wanted a modern design with the latest technology and engineering, while still preserving the traditional image of the boat.

 “This is truly a community project of overwhelming success, and I’m very proud to be part of it, together with our committee, so we can continue supporting youth initiatives in our village.”

Taotasi expressed deep appreciation to everyone who contributed to the cost of the new fautasi.

 Last Tuesday, during the dedication ceremony, the village of Nuʻuuli turned out in full force to show their pride and support.

 The event was attended by clergy from the various denominations in Nuʻuuli, along with top government officials, Fono leaders and members, and invited guests.

 The highlight of the ceremony was the blessing of the new fautasi: Clergy members from the various denominations gathered around the vessel, each placing a hand upon its hull as Rev. Elder Ioane Evagelia of CCCAS Utulei delivered a solemn prayer and blessing.

 This was followed by the christening of the fautasi, performed by Nuʻuuli High Chief Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono, who reminded the gathering that the fortunes of the village’s longboat changed for the better only after its name was changed from Satani (Satan) to Manulele Tausala (Maiden Bird). He then cracked a young coconut against the hull to the sound of cheers and loud applause from the crowd.

 “May you glide on the sea with God,” Soliai declared dramatically.

 In an exclusive interview with Samoa News, Lowrider II captain Taufeteʻe Manutafea Tanielu Taufeteʻe said his crew has been training intensively for about three months in preparation for this year’s Flag Day regatta.

 He shared that the Lowrider II crew is made up of high school students and young adults — typically the lightest and fittest rowers. Taufeteʻe emphasized the positive impact of the fautasi program as part of the village’s youth initiative, noting that it promotes a healthy lifestyle and helps steer young people away from drugs and alcohol.

 He shared that while he is excited and eager to take the new Lowrider II out on the water, he remains deeply grateful for the accomplishments achieved over the years aboard their beloved Lowrider I that now carries the venerable title of “Toaina” when referred to by its village.

 Launched in 1993 and carried by generations of rowers, Lowrider I stands as one of the most successful and respected longboats ever to compete in fautasi regattas — a vessel whose legacy continues to inspire Nuʻuuli’s youth and sets the standard of excellence that Lowrider II now carries forward.

The storied fautasi has claimed multiple victories, including a three‑peat before 2018 and back‑to‑back wins in 2023 and 2024. As the oldest boat still competing, it has represented Nuʻuuli with pride for more than three decades.

 “I hope Lowrider II will do justice to its predecessor’s achievements and continue its legacy for future generations of Nuʻuuli,” said the seasoned captain.

 Nuʻuuli now has three fautasi, all of which will compete in next month’s Flag Day Fautasi Race.