From my limited experience racing my own boat and crewing for a number of years I can agree with Sector Steve's doubts. Being a boat owner just racing around the cans could become more of a chore than an enjoyment. There has to be an end prize for crew like getting to crew in a point to point race offshore eg. Syd. To Coffs or Melb. To Portland. Its in those races where I believe you learn the most that you can apply when cruising.
No matter the weather you are driving the boat as hard as possible to an end destination. Don't forget the enjoyment ,most times , of the return trip when everythings relaxed and you know you can handle any situation. Of all my racing I rekon the most memorable time was a return trip from Melbourne to Portland race where we had Ideal conditions for a spinnaker run almost all the way. We were all in the cockpit eating off the silver platter we won in coming second in division telling porkys about our yachting exploits .Just on dusk we noticed on the horizon coming toward us hundreds of dolphins in pairs . For 10 minutes we had them go past us from south to north. I was able to enjoy that great day with my crew,mates , and can now look back on it with a smile every now and then.

First check out what is required to be done on your yacht to qualify for offshore racing! You can not go out and race with cat 7. You need cat 3 l think and that is a lot of effort and much moore money than you think.
To go out by yourself is ok but still need a few things by law.
My boat was racing offshore before, had cat 3, and l am keeping the standard but it hurts the hip pocket nerv amazingly.