"Apparently one of the sailors had experience in working on repairing and preparing a boat mechanically for an ocean voyage."  Evidently, not good enough.  "Ocean Voyage" (Blue Water)  preparation is not the same as being prepared to sail around Oahu, Littoral Sailing (Shallow water).  First modern difference, Radar, see the Storm approaching, nearby vessels, some land (islands).  Satellite Communications, not limited by Radio Wave Signal Propagation, regular radio is limited range based on how high up the antenna is located (reason their emergency transponder was not answered).  GPS with On Map Digital Display, you still need to know how to do Sea Navigation using Stellar, Sextant, Waterproof Time Piece (that measures seconds, minutes, hours accurately), Magnetic Compass, "Maps" Sea Charts  with Magnetic Deviation listed.  Rigging an improvised U.S. Army Ranger Long Range Antenna, atmospheric bounce over the horizon, damaged mast and rigging means damaged antenna, signal range zero.