Match Racing Tournament was worth between $3.5 million and $4 million of equivalent advertising exposure to sponsors and Bermuda itself, according to the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

The RBYC said coverage of the week-long tournament appeared in the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Spain, New Zealand and Australia.

RBYC's results are based on a tally of clippings, mentions and broadcast coverage compiled by Sail Sports International, which co-manages the event.

"These numbers show that the Omega Gold Cup has far reaching significance as an internationally renowned sporting event,'' said RBYC Commodore and event chairman Mr. E. John Thompson.

"All of this coverage reflects positively on our sponsors and, in particular, the Island of Bermuda.

"This could not have been achieved without significant contributions from over 31 local sponsors...'' Local sponsors included Bermuda Department of Tourism, the Bank of Bermuda, the Bank of Butterfield, XL Ltd., ACE Ltd., Waterloo House, Belmont Hotel and Newstead hotel.

The 1993 Omega Gold Cup will be held between October 17 and 24.