I think those are all decent boats. If you think he might want to race with others as in class races, you might want to check class populations around your area and see if there are any clubs, you can find this and more info here: [link=http://www.modelyacht.org/membership/classowners.html]AMYA[/link]

The Victoria can be built stock for around say $150 but mods can drive that up. SeaWinds are a little bigger and go faster and the plastic version kits seem to be going for around $290 plus radio gear. If it is to be kept legal for the class modifications are not allowed save for improving the hatch to keep water from entering there.

I can't comment about the Nirvana, other than nice boat I hear. I don't think there is an AMYA class for it unless it can be in an unlimited class or something.

I have a Victoria and am building a Footy. The club I belong to started generally with Vics and seems to be moving towards SeaWinds.