Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Fagasa bid farewell to the Fealofani Samoa III as she was prepared to be put aboard the MV Fotu O Samoa II for her journey to her new home in Siumu, Upolu, Samoa. It is Siumu’s very first faustasi (longboat) and was bought for an unknown amount by the Samoa District.

Facebook posts by Fagasa people overseas and at home bid farewell to their fautasi, recalling its more than 14 years of emotional and historic service that carried the village’s competitive spirit during American Samoa’s traditional longboat races. There are unverified rumors that Fagasa is planning to have a new fautasi built to compete in next year’s races.

Fair winds and following seas, Fealofani Samoa III.