By Junior Tutagalevao
05 June 2003
Traditionally it was supposed to be the sporting highlight of the Independence week celebration but the Fautasi race won by Taumarina was less than memorable on Monday at Apia Harbour.

When the race finished, it left the spectators looking perplexed and bewildered by the abrupt changes to the distance of the race.

The length of the race was about a mile and a half.

It only took 10 minutes to complete leaving an unsatisfactory and unfulfilling feeling among the spectators who had waited for hours to get a glimpse of the much-awaited race.

Scenes of confusion littered public discussion in the aftermath of the race inviting the conspiracy theorists to make their own conclusions.

Notwithstanding the uncertainty, the shortened course was believed to be the Fautasi committee's call as a precautionary measure for the safety of the participants due to the choppy sea.

The Observer Sports attempted to contact the committee yesterday but they were unavailable to make any comments about the race.

In terms of the action, both the Taumarina and Little Rina made terrible starts to the race coming last off the starting block.

Earlier in the race the Sinavao II (Police crew) and the Laulelei o Amoa were the early pace setters.

These two teams were evenly matched especially the Sinavao II who looked promising to take out the race.Meanwhile the superior boat speed of the Taumarina and Little Rina were evident because they gradually clawed their boats back into contention approaching the finishline at Apia Harbour.

Approaching the entrance to the harbour, Sinavao II were locked with Taumarina for a real sprint to the finish line.

Incredibly for a team that started badly, the winners mustered enough energy to take the wind out of Sinavao II's sails by overtaking them and they held on for dear life eventually winning the race.

There were a few interesting notes about the race though.

The Little Rina beat Laulelei o Samoa for 3rd place again would have indicated superior boat speed while the choppy sea caused boat problems for the wooden spooners, Fili Tuna.

Overall the race was somewhat anti-climax to what was suppose to be the main sporting event of the Independence week and the choppy weather had a significant role to play in the proceedings.