Good luck, Mike! I'm considering this race, too, in my F38. I don't know anything about the shoal keel and seaworthiness of the F30, but the Freedoms seem to be tough, capable boats though not exactly "blue water" -- whatever that means. The bottom contour, as mentioned in another post, is one reason for dismissing it as offshore capable, but I'm happy with how mine handles. There are several things I'm considering for both the downhill run there and what could be a rough return that might be similar for you to consider. I'm guessing you'll fly the spinnaker, which should help balance the boat. If flying without it, I would want to know how she handles with just the big main and small jib on big sea state. I had a lot of weather helm in those conditions coming back from the Lightship one time and I could not have handled the boat for more than a few hours like that. The AP could not handle it at all so you need a robust AP and maybe spares because I hear many break down during the race. If you don't have a windvane, you'll need sufficient batteries to run the AP and the first days out of SF can be very foggy if relying on solar alone. I have a different mainsail now with a much deeper reefing point so maybe this will help my downwind sailing, but the AP still needs tweaking and upgrading. Whatever you do, do as many of the ocean races as you can to test the boat under as many scenarios as you can find. The worst conditions you'll face will be near the California coast. Someone told me once that since these boats were built 30 years ago for East Coast conditions, it's possible that the rudder is undersized. I don't think this is the issue for my 38, but I am planning to do a haul out soon and will be asking some of these questions.
Coming back from Hawaii, the main things I am considering are fuel capacity and good capability for weather forecasting. Probably a little less than half the fleet will install SSBs for checking in on the nightly nets and for getting weather faxes. It's not required equipment, but based on those who've done the race with it and without it, the SSB will enhance the quality of the trip because you're more "connected." I don't know if it's possible for the weight of your boat, but you might also check to see if it can be shipped back in the cargo hold as most of the 20-30' boats will do. The weight is an issue for the lift at the loading dock in Nawiliwili, which is an all day sail, but we'll probably have the awards ceremony there. It is also costly, but if you're considering taking 3 weeks off from work, it could be worth it, not to mention the extra wear on the boat. However, someone who was in the 2012 race said the trip back with a friend was really relaxing compared to going to Hawaii because they were not pushing the boat so hard. Many people say that the trip to Hawaii is a downwind cake walk and coming back is a nightmare. When I was asking about getting around Point Conception a couple years ago, everyone told me how horrible it was going to be, but when I did it, it was smooth as glass. Clearly there's a wide range of experiences and perspectives...
It would be sooo very cool to have TWO Freedoms doing the race in 2016

I hope you are talking with the other SSS members about your boat and planning for the qualifier in June. It takes a while to get to know them, given the independent sociable loners that they are, but they have tremendous knowledge and are willing to give their time helping others in this silly endeavor of ours.
Hope to see you at the SSS Corinthian skippers meeting on Wednesday!
Carliane
s/v Kynntana