Captain Taufetee Manutafea Tanielu of the 2024 Flag Day Fautasi champions, Manulele Tausala #1 or Low Rider, says the start of yesterday’s race was difficult because while the seas were calm in the harbor, it was a different situation at the starting line—about 5 miles out.
In an interview with our Faafetai Loli after the awards presentation yesterday, Taufetee said it’s always hard for the committee to try and line up all fautasi when the seas are choppy.
When he saw other fautasi moving in front, he did the same. He didn’t give an opinion on whether it was a fair start, but said that it’s up to the captain to figure out how to get an advantage point from the start.
Taufetee said, just as important as physical strength and fitness of the crew, the captain must also be able to psyche up the crew and maintain control from the start to the finish. 
The captain also credited the strong an unified support of Nu’uuli village leaders, church ministers, families, here and off island, who donated generously and prayed for the safety and success of their fautasi.
The Low Rider is more than 30 years old and there have been reports that after this race, it will be retired.
When asked about this, Taufetee said, “Yes there have been suggestions to retire the old man, but its still strong and has a few years in him.”
Fautasi fans have lit up Facebook with criticisms about yesterday’s race, the majority saying it was an unfair start as some fautasi were ahead of others. There were also complaints about why the race started more than half an hour before the announced 9 0’clock start, and about the jet skis which were in the way during the race, and creating waves for some of the fautasi.
