I have a D-ring on my PFD. Next to my canoe seat, I have a short line, maybe 5-6", tied to seat and the tag end has a quick clip carabiner attached to it.

My idea is that if I go over and I'm out a good distance and the wind is pushing me/canoe from shore, I'll clip to D-ring and see if I can rudder to nearest shoreline?

Of course dependiong on distance and water temp, I might have to cut the canoe loose rather than be dragged into hypothermia :'(
Sort of a paddlers version of Ahab and the White Whale ;)