That 'black foot' is the mast step. Most boats have it all the way forward. Check the rules for limits. In 8-12 knots, on a beat to weather, with 1200-1400 of crew to keep the boat flat, there should be minimal weather helm. Try measuring your forestay. Rule max of 35'10 ½" was once a standard setting. Nowadays, some find this is too loose and tighten the headstay turnbuckle at the bow 10-30 full turns, less for light air, more for heavy. Boom centerline or down if you cannot keep the boat flat. Slight helm helps you point; too much means you are dragging your rudder. Blown-out, draft-aft sails don't help either.
Most marine stores sell self-amalgamating tape, which sticks to itself. We cover it with sticky-back sail repair to extend the useful life. Beware of duct-tape; it won't survive the UV, is sticky to remove, and frankly looks like_ well you know!
