Fautasi Explained

A fautasi [1] is a Samoan boat, similar to a longboat. Fautasi boats are around 100 feet in length and can accommodate a rowing crew of 50.[2] A coxwain uses a drum to beat a tempo to coordinate the rowing.[3] Each fautasi also has a captain.[4] The meaning of fautasi is "to build as one," which reflects the need for teamwork in using the boats. Prior to the use of modern-day ferries, fautasi were the main mode of transport between Upolu and Savai'i.[5]

Today fautasi are mainly used in racing events. Traditionally, men involved in the racing spent eight weeks away from their families and other luxuries, and training with their captain.[6] The races take place during Independence Days week celebrations in June. The top three finalists in the races receives a cash prize from the Government of Samoa.[7] The sport used to be male-only, but in 2013, there was an all-women crew. The first woman to become a fautasi skipper was Zita Martel in 2001.[8] Entrants from Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga and Hawaii have participated.[9] [10]

Fautasi are made of hollowed-out trees.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Stalcup. Ann. May 2002. Holidays Galore. Faces. 18. 9. 22. 8 November 2017. subscription . EBSCOhost.
  2. News: Fishing for compliments on the South Pacific outpost of Samoa. Phillips. Adrian. 2013-04-27. The Independent. 2017-11-08. en-GB.
  3. News: 'Fautasi' Boats. 1965-08-24. The Decatur Herald. 2017-11-08. 6. Newspapers.com.
  4. News: No Wives, Smokes for 40 Oarsmen. 1971-08-04. Courier-Post. 2017-11-08. 68. Newspapers.com.
  5. News: Pacific Islands: Sizzling in Samoa. 28 May 2013. The New Zealand Herald. 8 November 2017. subscription . LexisNexis.
  6. News: 1974-02-21 . Off the Record . 2017-11-08 . York Daily Record . 16 . Newspapers.com.
  7. News: Independence Day Scaled Down Due to King's Death. 31 May 2007. The New Zealand Herald. 8 November 2017. subscription . LexisNexis.
  8. News: Zita Martel. 2017-09-26. Pacific Community. 2017-11-08. en-US.
  9. News: Forum, What Forum? This Is Race Week.... Walters. Patrick. 30 May 1987. Sydney Morning Herald. 8 November 2017. subscription . LexisNexis.
  10. News: In the Thick of Thurs. Chapman. Don. 1988-04-21. The Honolulu Advertiser. 2017-11-08. 2. Newspapers.com.

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