YOu have had some good advice. Re-read Chris Green's post on the course you're planning. Chris know this course well.

Make sure you're standing rigging is new, or close to it.
Bring spare parts in a small kit such as extra shackles, clievis pins, some lashing line, keepers, tools, etc.

Make sure you have the right amount of foul weather gear, you can always take some off when it's warm.

Yes, this can be done with na enjoyable trip, if enough pre thought is used.

And lastly, make sure you're comfortable righting your boat, and important things won't get lost if you capsize.

Go for it.