I would differ very much from Charlie Cobra's advice in THIS particular case. Two most important items would be a
life raft and
EPIRB.
You guys have said it all. My own view is that anyone with a boat of ANY size who asks this question seriously is not qualified to do it.
Seriously Yachtsea...no reason a solid sub-30 footer can't do it. You need some heavy weather sea miles near shore before you try it. Wait for a day when it's blowing 30 knots or so and try to go 10-15 miles offshore....then sail back and forth for 24 hours or so. ...tacking, standing watch, cooking, sleeping, puking! If you survive it...do another 24 hours etc. and maybe another 24...then you'll have a 3 day gale under your belt and you'll have learned a lot about your boat and yourself. The next time you do it...you both will be better prepared. Before you head offshore...be sure you have those 2 key items I mentioned.