Welcome to CF.
Having grown up in Victoria and lived in the
Vancouver for many years you’ve got a lovely area to
cruise. Unfortunately for sailing the most consistent
wind conditions are in the cooler and wetter seasons - floater jacket or the full floater suit are definitely your friend, as are good woollen gloves or mitts with removable finger for
rope work. Goretex overmitts are really nice too.
Georgia and Juan de Fuca Straights may not have big ocean swells but can still get pretty wild, so, within your limits,
head out when the
wind is up. Once you
head north of Campbell River you are much more on your own and can extend your
cruise for months as you head up towards
Alaska. And the
west coast of Vancouver Island is certainly open ocean, though with the benefit (but also danger) of having numerous all
weather harbours.
As you build your own experience do consider joining others for
offshore passages, such as return deliveries of Vic-Maui yachts, or further afield. A
passage as crew for an experienced
skipper can be a great way to leap ahead in experience. Most of the people that we invite to join our passages are looking to gain offshore experience in a controlled way (that is, with someone else being responsible).
You’re near the beginning of an epic journey - enjoy!