Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Nu‘uuli’s Manulele Tausala Lowrider II extended its dominant run in Heat 1 of the 2026 July 4th Fautasi Regatta yesterday morning, securing its third straight victory in as many appearances on Pago Pago Harbor — a remarkable winning streak that now stands at three‑for‑three.

In Heat 2, Vatia’s Fuao delivered a commanding repeat performance, mirroring the strength that carried them to victory in the first heat of the 2026 Flag Day Race back in April. Fuao powered across the short course with authority, finishing roughly three boat-lengths ahead of the other five fautasi that competed.

Postponed from Monday due to persistent windy conditions, rising swells, and a steady drizzle, the weather seemed to agree to improve just long enough for the two heats to take place yesterday morning.

Following a physical assessment of the weather and marine conditions at 7:20 a.m., the A250 Fautasi Committee determined that conditions were safe enough to proceed with the race, setting the starting line at Amu‘ula. Committee members acknowledged the public’s strong desire for a traditional long‑distance course, but said the evaluation made clear that conditions further offshore remained unsafe for the crews.

With the decision finalized, the territory’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th Independence Anniversary officially got underway as the sound of the hooter echoed across Pago Pago Harbor, signaling the start of Heat 1.

At the sound of the megaphone, the seven fautasi exploded off the line, crews digging hard as they drove their vessels forward in a fierce sprint, knowing the short course left no room for error. Paepaeulupoo in lane 1 and Lupelele from Ili‘ili in lane 7 seized the early lead, but their advantage was brief. From the center of the field, Nu‘uuli’s Manulele Tausala Lowrider II in lane 4 began to edge ahead, its rhythm tightening as it pressed through the middle.

Paepaeulupoo responded with force, going bow‑to‑bow with the Lowrider II, while Alao surged into contention, sliding into third place and overtaking Lupelele. Matasaua from Manu‘a also moved up, challenging Lupelele for fourth. Meanwhile, Fagatogo’s Iseula and Fale o Latia from Pava‘ia‘i slipped back, battling for sixth and seventh, with Iseula eventually dropping to seventh.

About 200 meters from the finish, Lowrider II seemed to glide over the water, breaking free from the pack and opening a commanding margin of roughly three boat-lengths, securing its third consecutive victory. As the crews approached Malaloa Marina, Alao launched a decisive push for second place, overtaking Paepaeulupoo after an intense rowing duel.

Paepaeulupoo, now in third, faced one final challenge from newcomer Lupelele, whose crew rowed with ferocity to reclaim third place and secure a spot in today’s grand final. Matasaua finished fifth, Fale o Latia placed sixth, and Iseula o le Moana from Fagatogo crossed in seventh.

In Heat 2, fans were treated to an unexpected opening burst as Leone’s Taema II, one of two non hi-tech boats, and Nu‘uuli’s veteran Manulele Tausala Lowrider I jumped out to an early lead. The two crews fought fiercely for position, and Leone fans cheered loudly as Taema II eventually inched ahead leaving the Lowrider I behind.

But once the race pushed into the calmer waters deeper inside Pago Pago Bay, the four hi‑tech boats began to gather momentum. Vatia’s Fuao, captained by rookie Palako Gaoteote in his first‑ever race, found its rhythm and surged forward, overtaking Taema II and steadily widening its margin until it was roughly five boat lengths ahead of the field.

Behind them, Fagasa’s Fealofani Samoa overtook Taema II for second place — only to be overtaken moments later by Pago Pago’s Aeto, whose crew mounted a determined push to secure third place and qualify for today’s grand final. Taema II was then passed again, this time by Nu‘uuli’s Manulele Tausala Lowrider I (Toeaina), which claimed fourth.

Taema II ultimately settled for fifth place, followed by Nu‘uuli’s Manulele Tausala Air Force in sixth.

The grand final of the 2026 July 4th Fautasi Regatta is scheduled for 8.00 a.m. this morning.

The final is for the top 3 winners of each heat — 6 fautasi in total. Again, the length of the course will depend on the weather.

Prizes are as follows: 1st - $30,000; 2nd- $25,000; 3rd- $20,000; and, 4th- $15,000. From 5th place to all other boats that races, $10,000 will be awarded to each, with $2,000 given to the Team With the Most Spirit. Also the winning crew of the Final will received Free Tickets to the July 4th concert.

Good luck to all captains & crew… Wishing you the best on the waters! 

Fagasa’s Fealofani Samoa holds second place on the final stretch as Aeto of Pago Pago follows in third during yesterday’s Heat 2 of the 2026 July 4th Fautasi Regatta. The grand final is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. today.  [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau]