A few years ago I wrote a book on this very topic
For Seaforth Publishing's ShipCraft series. It iscentitled Shipcraft #29, the 100 gun ship Victory.

The illustrations are by John McKay wherecwe teview the ship's appearance (bulwarks, colour schemes, side ports etc) and review the many available kits in pladtic and wood. "Best" is subjective and really depends on what kind of model want.

In another book, "Sailing ships from plastic kits" i do a build of the Airfix kit, and another build ofcthe Heller kit by another modeller, Dafi, is shown.

I hope this is helpful.

Kerry