The HMS Victory Paint Set that most online shops sell comprises 14 X 18ml waterbased paints. It is also available on e-bay, I have bought plenty of stuff there, and it usually takes about 2 weeks to arrive.

The sets comprise of:
3 x Dull black
3 x Yellow ochre
1 x Red Ochre
1 x French Blue
1 x Walnut/Wood Brown
1 x Matt White
1 x Olive Green
1 x Gold/Brass
1 x Metal Black
1 x Copper
(all 14ml bottles/tins)
you could also get an etch primer for use on metal components ie oars

If you can not get a set of paint, then go for individual acrylic paints from your local hobby shop. I definitely don't recommend enamels, those are only good for metal and plastic, and even then, I shy away from them, preferring the acrylics. Another plus on the acrylic is they are water based, so mistakes and dirty brushes can be sorted out with tap water before they dry.(Acrylics are a bit more expensive, be prepared to shell out anywhere between 25 and 40 bucks a pop, depending where you go and the size of the bottle.)I am also going for a painted model, and will try find copper sheeting for the hull when I finally get that far.

Hope this helps!