The Straits of Lothern is the name given to the gap between the jagged fangs of rock that Lothern's Emerald and Sapphire Gates are built atop. Sandbars rise and fall throughout the channel in unpredictable ways, tides can change in a heartbeat whilst winds that had been gentle can become dangerously unpredictable squalls, dashing ships against the cliffs. All of this makes navigation hazardous for even the most experienced captains. Indeed, many an arrogant captain has found out the hard way that the waters of Ulthuan are capricious and punishing of those who sailed without a proper respect for the sea.[1a]