The course runs from a standing start near the Tillicum narrows. Crews cut through the narrows and achieve their first timed waypoint (1.3km) at the Selkirk Trestle where the course gives the advantage to the crew on the inside of the corner on the Esquimalt side.  From there, a 600m push with an advantage to the Victoria side to the Bay Street Bridge leads into an 850m straight to the iconic Johnson Street Bridge. The last 750m push crosses through the Victoria inner harbour airport to the finish line located in front to the Steamship Grill restaurant.