Cambrils is currently hosting an international chess retreat that merges education, community engagement, and tourism. The initiative, directed by coach Marc Quenehen, runs from 25 October to 1 November at the Sol Port hotel.
Notably, Grandmaster Bachar Kouatly has conducted a simultaneous exhibition at the Cambrils port, engaging 25 participants across 15 boards. This week, Cambrils has become a meeting point for a group of French chess enthusiasts participating in this educational retreat.
The programme combines chess learning and practice with relaxation and leisure in a Mediterranean setting. One of the standout activities occurred on Monday morning at the port, where Kouatly showcased his skills in a simultaneous exhibition. Supported by the Cambrils Town Hall and the Sol Port hotel, the event saw ten pairs of players making joint decisions while five participants played individually.
Over two and a half hours, Kouatly moved from board to board, achieving victory in all 15 games, creating an enjoyable and enriching atmosphere. The event also attracted the attention of passers-by, many of whom stopped to watch the games and engage in discussions about chess.
This initiative provided a unique opportunity to introduce the game to the public in one of Cambrils' most iconic locations. The programme includes 15 hours of classes, game analysis sessions, and a tournament officiated by international arbiter Laurent Freyd, along with leisure activities such as a maritime excursion.
Participants are able to dedicate several days to enhancing their chess skills, exchanging experiences, and discovering Cambrils while enjoying its tourist offerings. Oliver Klein, the mayor of Cambrils, emphasised that “initiatives like this help us progress in the de-seasonalisation of tourism. They attract visitors outside the summer months, generate activity, and contribute to promoting Cambrils as a quality destination.”
Klein also highlighted the municipality's capacity to host specialised activities: “Cambrils offers an environment, services, and quality of life that allow for the combination of various hobbies with a pleasant stay. In this case, chess has found in our town a space to share knowledge while enjoying the sea, gastronomy, and everything that defines us.”
The retreat exemplifies the diverse range of proposals that can be developed in Cambrils year-round, attracting new audiences and experiences to the municipality's offerings.
