Frigate positioning behind first rates in the game battle

In Pirates of the Burning Sea, the suggested frigate position is behind and between the first rates. From there it can fire through the gaps in the heavier ships' line. It should avoid sailing into their sterns or directly in front of their bows. Holding that position is difficult because the frigates accelerate much faster than the first rates in the game. The advice concerns the formation being played rather than a claim about standard historical frigate battle doctrine.