Canada was favoured, with wins at the 2002 and 2003 World Championships as well as Grand Challenge Cup victories in those years.

Both boats beat the world's best time for the men's eight, and the United States advanced directly to the finals while Canada went to the repechage.

By the 1000 meter mark (halfway), they had a three-second advantage (one length) over Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands who were all battling for second place.

In the final 1000 meters, the Netherlands made a run at the United States, finishing 1.3 seconds short.

Australia maintained its position three seconds behind the United States while Germany and Canada fell off the pace and France trailed in sixth place.