阅读理解 An iceboat is basically a sailboat that travels over ice instead of water.
An iceboat isbasically a sailboat that travels over ice instead of water.The boatsita above the ice on skates and has a sail that catches the wind.The firsticeboats appeared in Europe during the 17th century ,When they wereused during the winter months to carry people and cargo.Iceboats made theirway to America in the 1700s and by the mig-1800s.People were racing them onAmerica’s Hudson River.Some of these boats were up to 60 feet long and couldtravel as fast as 107 miles per hour.Since then,smaller iceboats have becomemore popular.They’re easier to handle safely and travel even faster-up to 140miles per hour.
Agood place to see iceboating today is on Long Island,New York.When thecoldest depths of winter come,the sea and lakes there freeze into smoothsheets of ice.If you are fortunate,you might hear the crack of the longIsland iceboats speeding through the chilly air.
“Whenthose boats go by at 80 miles per hour,it sets off a vibration,” says BillKanz,long-time iceboater and member of the Orient Ice Yacht Club.“There’snothing like it.It’s a roar like a fighter jet going over you.”
Theboats draw out the whole community of Orient,bundles in their warmestclothing.Orient,a pretty village at the tip of Long Island,is located 100miles or so from New York City.Surrounded by water on most sides,Orient isideal for iceboating.
“It’s really special.When the ice is frozen thick enough,the wholevillage comes out,even those who don’t iceboat,” Kanz says,“It’s very social; peoplewill hang around talking all day.”
1.What is the main subject of this article?
A.The shipping industry in America
B.Exciting skating competitions
C.Sailing traditions around the world
D.A unique form of transportation