with 13 boats in heats, the best boats qualify directly for the semi-finals. all other boats progress to the repechage round, which offers a second chance to qualify for the semi-finals. unsuccessful boats from the repechage are eliminated from the competition. the best three boats in each of the two semi-finals qualify for final a, which determines places 1–6 (including the medals). unsuccessful boats from semi-finals a/b go forward to final b, which determines places 7–12.