Fautasi

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

^ ^a ^b Stalcup, Ann (May 2002). "Holidays Galore". Faces. 18 (9): 22. Retrieved 8 November 2017 – via EBSCOhost.
^ ^a ^b Phillips, Adrian (2013-04-27). "Fishing for compliments on the South Pacific outpost of Samoa". The Independent. Retrieved 2017-11-08.
^ "'Fautasi' Boats". The Decatur Herald. 1965-08-24. p. 6. Retrieved 2017-11-08 – via Newspapers.com.
^ ^a ^b "No Wives, Smokes for 40 Oarsmen". Courier-Post. 1971-08-04. p. 68. Retrieved 2017-11-08 – via Newspapers.com.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Pacific Islands: Sizzling in Samoa". The New Zealand Herald. 28 May 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2017 – via LexisNexis.^{[permanent dead link]}
^ "Off the Record". York Daily Record. 1974-02-21. p. 16. Retrieved 2017-11-08 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Stories from the Blue: Fautasi". sanctuaries.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2025-04-17.
^ "Zita Martel". Pacific Community. 2017-09-26. Retrieved 2017-11-08.
^ Walters, Patrick (30 May 1987). "Forum, What Forum? This Is Race Week...". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 8 November 2017 – via LexisNexis.
^ Chapman, Don (1988-04-21). "In the Thick of Thurs". The Honolulu Advertiser. p. 2. Retrieved 2017-11-08 – via Newspapers.com.
^ “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