Yes, I also carry spares and tools aboard at all times, not just on the longer trips. This includes enough 1500 lb Spectra to make an entire (temporary) set of stays if need be. Not sure what they have aboard along those lines, but if the hinge got damaged when the mast came down, it would be a tall order to fix that while out in the boonies.
The fact that they needed a tow tells me that they don't have oars aboard, at least I didn't see any in the pics of the boat at the start. That or they just couldn't make any headway rowing or paddling in those high winds they were in.