Manulele Tausala Lowrider II
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 2026 Flag Day Fautasi Race finale delivered one of the most stunning and historic finishes in recent memory, etching the name of newcomer Manulele Tausala Lowrider II from Nuʻuuli into the history books as only the second fautasi ever to capture the championship...
The victorious Manulele Tausala Lowrider II skipper Taufeteʻe Tanielu and his crew wave to supporters as they cruise unopposed toward the finish line to claim the championship title of the 2026 Flag Day Fautasi Race. In the background, about four boat lengths behind, is Alao in second place,...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — It’s fautasi season, and the newest longboat to be christened has already turned heads and stirred real excitement. Die‑hard Manulele Tausala fans from Nu‘uuli erupted with pride as the Lowrider II, with unmistakable authority, glided across Pago Pago Harbor in a smooth...
The highlight of the dedication ceremony was the blessing of the new new Manulele Tausala Lowrider II fautasi, when clergy members from the various denominations gathered around the vessel, each placing a hand upon its hull as Rev. Elder Ioane Evagelia of CCCAS Utulei delivered a solemn prayer and...

![Nu’uuli’s Manulele Tausala Lowrider I and Lowrider II arrive to a hero’s welcome at their boatshed in Utulei after Lowrider II captured the 2026 Flag Day Fautasi Race championship title last Th ursday. [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau] hero’s welcome](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_5679.jpg?itok=I-QgUQzU)

![Nuʻuuli High Chief Soliai Tuipine Fuimaono performs the christening of the new Manulele Tausala Lowrider II, cracking a young coconut against the hull during last Tuesday’s dedication ceremony in Utulei. “May you glide on the sea with God,” Soliai declared dramatically. [photo: Asi A. Fa'asau] Christening of the new Manulele Tausala Lowrider II](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/img_5283.jpg?itok=5T44uSHa)
