I built a Panache some years ago. The Panache is a KAYAK. This winter I have led a study circle including one P. I have also helped another P-builder who is varnishing today. Everyone I have met, kayakers and non-kayakers admires this kayak. And when they (some of them) is allowed to borrow the P for a test ride they are really convinced that this is a KAYAK. Extremly good design, extremly good performance in the water, fast, tracks well, manouverable(when you learned how), takes a lot of gear + + + + + +
In the building process take your time to align all forms. Rob Macks has in my opinion to far between the stations. I´m building with nordic spruce-strips 4,5x19mm c´n´b and i have to support the strips sometimes. Thicker strips maybe follows better. For example the ShootingStar(my fifth kayak) has nearly 50cm between some stations and that is too much. I have suggested to bring in atleast one more station to make it easier to get a fair line.
I made hatches flush mounted and with bungycord and they are waterproof.
There is an angle on the cockpitcoaming at the rear. Now I wish that I had eliminated that with a recess.
Some of the strips on the hull, about waterline, has has to be persuaded in a hard manner to get in place. Select the strips for that part, very longgrained and straight will do if you dont want to try some hotair or steam.

Go for it, it´s a great KAYAK.