Fautasi

In today's world, Fautasi has become a topic of great relevance in various areas of society. From its impact on the economy to its influence on popular culture, Fautasi has captured the attention of millions of people around the world. In this article, we will explore in depth the different facets of Fautasi, analyzing its implications, its evolution over time and its relevance in the current context. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to shed light on this phenomenon and its ramifications in today's society.

Training for fautasi races.

A fautasi (/ˌfɑːʊˈtɑːsi/ FAH-uu-TAH-see)[1] is a Samoan boat, similar to a longboat. Fautasi boats are around 100 feet (30 m) 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 structure of the boat build from one hollowed out tree, in contrast to a paopao.[2] Prior to the use of modern-day ferries, fautasi were the main mode of transport between islands such as Upolu and Savai'i.[5]

Today, fautasi are mainly used in racing events.[5] Traditionally, men involved in the racing spent eight weeks away from their families and other luxuries, and training with their captain.[6][4] The races take place during the Independent State of Samoa's Independence Days week celebrations in June.[1] In American Samoa, the race take place during Flag Day marking the acceptance by the Samoans of the Deed of Cession.[7] The sport is mainly a men-only sport (faaga tama), but in 2013, an all-women crew participated in the fautasi race.[5] The first woman to become a fautasi Captain was Zita Martel in 2001.[8] Entrants from Independent State of Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga and Hawaii have participated.[9][10]

Fautasi are traditionally made of hollowed-out trees.[5] More modern fautasi are made out of fiberglass which is more versatile.[11]

References

  1. ^ a b Stalcup, Ann (May 2002). "Holidays Galore". Faces. 18 (9): 22. Retrieved 8 November 2017 – via EBSCOhost.
  2. ^ a b Phillips, Adrian (2013-04-27). "Fishing for compliments on the South Pacific outpost of Samoa". The Independent. Retrieved 2017-11-08.
  3. ^ "'Fautasi' Boats". The Decatur Herald. 1965-08-24. p. 6. Retrieved 2017-11-08 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ a b "No Wives, Smokes for 40 Oarsmen". Courier-Post. 1971-08-04. p. 68. Retrieved 2017-11-08 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c d "Pacific Islands: Sizzling in Samoa". The New Zealand Herald. 28 May 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2017 – via LexisNexis.
  6. ^ "Off the Record". York Daily Record. 1974-02-21. p. 16. Retrieved 2017-11-08 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Stories from the Blue: Fautasi". sanctuaries.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
  8. ^ "Zita Martel". Pacific Community. 2017-09-26. Retrieved 2017-11-08.
  9. ^ Walters, Patrick (30 May 1987). "Forum, What Forum? This Is Race Week...". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 8 November 2017 – via LexisNexis.
  10. ^ Chapman, Don (1988-04-21). "In the Thick of Thurs". The Honolulu Advertiser. p. 2. Retrieved 2017-11-08 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ “Row as One!”: A History of the Development and Use of the Sāmoan Fautasi Hans K. Van Tilburg, David J. Herdrich, Michaela Howells, Va'amua Henry Sesepasara, Teleiai Christian Ausage, Michael Coszalterhttps://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/52230/noaa_52230_DS1.pdf
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