[1] The schedule is as follows:[2] The fastest boat in each heat advanced directly to the final.

The next six fastest boats in each heat advanced to the semifinal.

[3][4][5] The fastest three boats in each semi advanced to the A final.

The next four fastest boats in each semi and best 8th advanced to the final B.

[8] Competitors raced for positions 1 to 9, with medals going to the top three.