Petanque on Amelia Island

The city of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida is hosting the 2009 Petanque America Open this coming weekend of November 14 - 15, 2009. At least 90 teams (of two), are registered to play, coming to Amelia Island from as far away as Europe and Canada.

What's Petanque (pronounced “pe-tonk“)? Check out this YouTube video, explaining the game (video features the Carolina Petanque Club). Called “addictive,” the French game of Petanque is referred to as a “cousin to horseshoes and Italian bocce ball.”

At low tide, when the beach is broad and flat here on Amelia Island, I have seen people playing bocce a few times. Now I wonder whether perhaps they were playing Pentanque. I don’t recall if the ball was being rolled or thrown. Apparently this is a key difference in the two games.

The landmark Palace Saloon in Fernandina has built Petanque courts in their rear yard behind the saloon for practice training for the local Amelia Island teams. Happy Hour Petanque? Throwing balls in a historic honky tonk and throwing back a cold one --sounds like it could catch on here.


A celebrity chef is reportedly coming to town to play. Chef Jacques Pepin has a love for the game he calls “boules.“ See an article Chef Pepin wrote about playing boules, featured in F...

Pepin will also participate in a book signing from 1 to 3 pm on Sunday, November 15th in the area of the tournament. A quick look at Amazon indicates he’s authored many culinary books. So foodies may like to go (other French chefs reportedly will be playing Petanque, too. )

Folks may wish to head downtown to the historic district of Fernandina Beach to observe the play and perhaps try it out. Extra courts will be set up at the tournament so spectators can give it a try. Here's a link to an informative blog about the game (includes some info relating to Fernandina and Amelia Island, including one Amelia Islander who has built a Petanque court in his yard using crushed limestone, http://petanqueamericaopen.blogspot.com ).

The Petanque America organization even came up with a logo and mascot for the Amelia Island tournament using local symbols -- the Amelia Island lighthouse and a shrimp. The official logo was designed by Bradbury Mattes. Organizers are calling the shrimp “Crusty Carreau.” Carreau, for those ignorant of Petanque lingo, like me, apparently means “the perfect shot -- when you knock out an opponent’s ball and take its spot,” according to the Petanque America blog.

The tournament will consist of teams of two players (doubles) and include beginners, amateurs, advanced players and champions from the USA, Canada and Europe. There will be men's, ladies or mixed teams, the minimum age of participants is 14.

Game “training” will begin on Friday, November 13, 2009 in the afternoon. Each player paid a $65 registration fee, and the total tournament prize money is $5,000.

Petanque sounds like fun and something different to see in Fernandina Beach this coming weekend. See the tournament in downtown Fernandina, near the city marina at the harbor.

W.B.L.