Hi Thomas! Great to have you back in the southland. Gary and Buzz and a few others (Alan from SD) are making the trip several times a year now. I still think the best time of year to go is in the middle of september but if you plan acrefully it's a great trip any time of year.
There are some good articles on the trip located at:
http://www.sailingproshop.com/Catalina%20Trip-%20September%202000.htmJoin in the fun and make the hop across the pond to Dougies and have a buffalo milk!
MM