guy i have a ( think it called ) "variotop"

the mast i have doesn't have a hole on the top so i have taken off the clip

1. is there a better way of holding the sail on it .
only been using tape.

2.where should i place the base plate ?
i find even when i am leaning the sail all the way forward it stilling STALLING in the wind ( going too much into wind)
- should i move it all the way forward , and test it .... ?
is there general rule , i thought you only push it forward with larger sail

3. when i am dropping the sail the mast pin it coming out and disconnect a lot
does it need to be replace ? New loop?
i have just loop the end of the down haul rope around the rubber bit


4. on the base plate , where the rubber U join , there are 3 bit of rope
are they suppose to be tight so the u join is harder to move, or softer


sorry for the bad English - please let me know the correct name so i can learn them