That's great! Good luck to you on putting one together. You've probably seen
this and perhaps a 100 more like it on youtube :). Post up some pictures if you think about once you're done. It'll be interesting to see the final product.
You've probably seen
this as well. The OP kind of gets to the heart of your question re: wind and the mitigating effects of a spray skirt/cover for the canoe.
Anyway, best of luck to you with your project.