Tolotolo o le Tamauli from Savaii are the winners of this year's historic fautasi regatta to celebrate Samoa's year-long 60th Independence anniversary.

They did not only win the race but brought back the spirit seen in yesteryears as supporters crowded the seawall at Mulinuu since the morning of Friday.

Don Bosco Segavao came in second place, Telefoni o le Vainuu in third, Little Rina was fourth and Marist in fifth place.

Pauli Ivan, captain for Tolotolo o le Tamauli led his crew and rowed towards their supporters to thank them for their support.

"Without your support, we wouldn't have made it so we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Let's give praise to our heavenly Father for this victory," he said after winning the race.

Tolotolo o le Tamauli which had been in third place most of the race managed to pull ahead towards the end giving spectators a thrilling race.

Telefoni o le Vainuu led the race from start of the regatta only to lose the lead midway to Don Bosco Segavao.

It was the desire to win and expert advice from the captain which saw the front runners having an exciting finish.

When the race got to Vaiusu, Tolotolo o le Tamauli rowed stronger to claim the first spot.

This was the first time in the race, Tolotolo o le Talauli had managed to pull away in the lead and they kept it like that until the end,

The winning crew gets $60,000, $50,000 is for second place, $40,000 for the third, $30,000 for the fourth and $20,000 for fifth place.