The Fealofani Samoa from Fagasa won the first of two qualifying heats in the 2016 flag day fautasi races this afternoon.
But the race was later voided by the Flag Day Fautasi Committee.
Six fautasi were to race in the first heat but only five were out at sea at where the race started.
The Fetu o le Afiafi from Fagaalu could not make it out all the way to the starting line…the seas were too rough.
Of the five which made it, Aeto was not lined up with the other four fautasi: Iseula, Tama o le Muaau, Taema and Fealofani Samoa.
Doug Tuigamala who called the race on V103 Radio said the surf was a bit rough making it difficult to align the long boats.
Eventually, the fautasi in the rear moved up to where the Aeto was.
As they were in motion the four fautasi passed the Aeto and some started rowing.
However Tama o le Muaau and Aeto were not rowing.
The other fautasi were already racing and the Fealofani Samoa just flew ahead of the pack and stayed in front right up to the finish line in front of Asco Motors.
The Iseula o le Moana was second and the Taema finished third.
It was awhile after the Taema had reached the finish line before the Tama o le Muaau finished the race.
The Aeto meanwhile rowed to Utulei Beach and did not reach the finish line.
And that’s the way it was for the first heat of the flag day fautasi races.
The Fautasi Race Committee however voided the race.
The second heat was to begin at 3pm however the Committee called it off about an hour before it was to begin.
This after the Matasaua which was heading to the starting line turned back to shore apparently because of concerns about the rough seas.
Nu’uuli is also reported to have deserted the race and lifted their fautasi back on the beach at Utulei.
The Race Committee then called a meeting of fautasi captains for 4:30 pm at the Office of Samoan Affairs to discuss what to do next.
Stay tuned.
