Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Put aside the rumors, raise your anticipation — the official countdown has begun for one of American Samoa’s most anticipated annual traditions: the 2026 Flag Day Fautasi Regatta, tentatively set for Tuesday, April 14, pending favorable weather conditions.

During a briefing last Thursday, the captains of all 13 competing fautasi were informed by the organizing committee — led by the Secretary of Samoan Affairs, Faiivae Alex Godinet — that if the weather cooperates, every longboat will line up for a single, high‑stakes showdown.

If conditions turn rough, however, the race format shifts dramatically.

In the event of inclement weather, the competition will split into two heats, with only the top four finishers advancing to Thursday’s final, which will proceed regardless of rain.

According to Faiivae, Thursday’s schedule would open with a race among the bottom five fautasi, followed by the main event featuring the top eight crews battling for this year’s championship title. Faiivae emphasized that any fautasi confirmed to have violated the regatta rules will be disqualified. His reminder was directed at all captains and crews, reinforcing that the prestige of the Flag Day Fautasi Race depends on discipline, respect for the rules, and clean competition.

The regatta rules cover issues such as interference, false starts, unsafe maneuvers, and unauthorized equipment. Disqualification procedures are handled by the race committee after reviewing reports from officials and video footage. Crew conduct expectations apply both on the water and during pre‑race staging.

(Of note: Sources from Leone village confirm that Taema II will be captained by Faiivae himself.)

LOTS DRAWN

Two lots were drawn by the captains to determine each fautasi’s starting‑line lane assignment, setting the stage for a high‑stakes showdown in which all 13 longboats will battle for this year’s Flag Day Fautasi Race championship — again, weather permitting.

The draw establishes the exact order in which the crews will line up offshore, a critical factor in a race where currents, wind, and water conditions can influence the opening minutes.

Lane assignments for the full 13‑boat showdown:

(IF WEATHER PERMITS)

Lane 1 - Fealofani Samoa III (Fagasa)

Lane 2 - Aeto III (Pago Pago, Defending Champions)

Lane 3 - Manulele Tausala Lowrider II (Nuʻuuli)

Lane 4 - Manulele Tausala Lowrider I (Nuʻuuli/ the new fautasi)

Lane 5 - Fuao (Vatia)

Lane 6 - Taema II (Leone)

Lane 7 - Iseula o le Moana (Fagatogo)

Lane 8 - Manulele Tausala III (Nuʻuuli)

Lane 9 - Paepaeulupoʻo (Aua)

Lane 10 - Fale o Latia (Pavaʻiaʻi)

Lane 11 - Lupelele (Iliʻili)

Lane 12 - Matasaua II (Manuʻa)

Lane 13 - Alao (Alao)

Two‑heat format:

(IF WEATHER FORCES A CHANGE TOMORROW)

HEAT 1

Lane 1 - Fuao (Vatia)

Lane 2 - Alao (Alao)

Lane 3 - Matasaua II (Manuʻa)

Lane 4 - Paepaeulupoʻo (Aua)

Lane 5 - Aeto III (Pago Pago, Defending Champions)

Lane 6 - Manulele Tausala III (Nuʻuuli)

Lane 7 - Iseula o le Moana (Fagatogo)

HEAT 2:

Lane 1 - Lupelele (Iliʻili)

Lane 2 - Taema II (Leone)

Lane 3 - Manulele Tausala Lowrider I (Nuʻuuli)

Lane 4 - Fale o Latia (Pavaʻiaʻi)

Lane 5 - Fealofani Samoa III (Fagasa)

Lane 6 - Manulele Tausala Lowrider II (Nuʻuuli)

The top five finishers — whether determined through the full 13‑boat showdown or the two‑heat format — will earn the honor of representing American Samoa in the 2026 Samoa Independence Fautasi Race.

These crews will join Samoa’s own longboats, including Telefoni o le Vainuu from Manono and Tolotolo o le Tamauli from Salelologa, Savai‘i. A joint Police- Fire crew will also compete, rowing the Don Bosco fautasi as part of the national “Say No to Illegal Drugs” campaign.

The five qualifying fautasi will travel as part of a broader American Samoa contingent that includes teams from Volleyball, Kilikiti, and Rugby.