Gents to answer your questions regarding my earlier post.
I've been in the Navy for close to 26 years. I have taught basic, advanced and northern navigation to numerous classes composed of a multitude of generations (post-boomers, gen X, Gen Y). I know my limits and understand when I've reached them for my safety and safety of others.
That being said, it was a Friday afternoon after a long week on my part. The 12-hours surface prognosis forecasted 20-25 kts Westerly winds, the swell period was just on the fringe of comfortable ride. We had purchased the boat maybe a month previous and my wife was itching for an overnight trip. We stayed relatively close to home (within 3-4 hours cruising).
Once we got on the boat, the local ODAS buoy indicated 20 kts constant - gusting to 25 kts. So she said: "Looks good as far as I can see, let's go for it." She said that without looking at the weather, looking at where the winds were coming from and the Planned Intended Route we had to take to reach our destination (Southerly course - STBD bow/beam winds and seas). We departed Esquimalt BC, for Pedder Bay. It was all nice and a little choppy until we cleared Albert Head...Then the full force of the 20-25 kts hit us. Yes, it was uncomfortable, but at no time did I feel unsafe. In the end, we made it.
Like I had told multiple students in the past, when planning, the weather forecast (usually 24-12 hrs out), intended Speed of Advance (SOA) and local geography that will impact the weather should be looked at before committing to a plan. A valuable lesson was learned. She's no mariner, but now has learned something that a text book could never have driven home