Great questions, great answer and trully a great thread.. Even I feel a little smarter......I don't learn so good. :-)

Norton, go to the SCOPE web link. I think some of them go out to Catalina quiet often.

Thanks one and all for your responses-- I learned mucho and I think I'm prepared-- GPS chartplotter, triple reduncy for compasses, local charts, VHS radio, etc. The weather report has calmed down (10 mph or less for wind, 6 ft waves, period 14 seconds) and I plan to leave about 07:00 to miss the wind as much as possible. Thanks again for all your experience and suggestions! Wish me luck!