I've lashed a boom to the mast as well as made a temporary fix for a broken chain plate in 30 knots without much grief. Bolts, drills, line, and pop rivets are part of our stores for repairs on passage as you never know what will happen. Although I don't enjoy the drama of repairing during passage I find satisfaction in being able to do it. It's part of the appeal of cruising to me.

Having said that, I wasn't there and they were pretty close to the Canaries. It may have been the correct call,,,, or,, maybe they weren't done with those islands and were looking for an excuse to go back. Without other issues I probably would have continued.

Ha! funny coming from what I consider myself to be, 'a coastal cruiser'.