Every sport has its top dog in which, time and again one man or woman reigns supreme for a while. When it comes to sailing, Allen Toms is that man. And more.

No-one can beat 23-year-old sprinter Usain Bolt, nor can anyone outswim the 24-year-old Michael Phelps.

But no-one can stop yachtsman Allen Toms, either.

Yet here's the rub: He's 65, not twentysomething – and he still shows no sign of losing!

When he rifles through the filing cabinet at his Polruan boatyard on the banks of the River Fowey in South East Cornwall, Allen's demeanour is totally laid back. That elusive document is almost inconsequential. But put him at the helm of an 18-ft carvel-built racing dinghy and the minutest of detail suddenly becomes of the utmost importance.

Put simply, winning is all that matters.

To read the full feature on Allen Toms pick up a copy of this weeks Cornish Times.