We study the existence of strong solutions to a 2d fluid–structure system. The fluid is modelled by the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The structure represents a steering gear and is described by a finite number of parameters and its equations are derived from a virtual work principle. The global domain represents a wind tunnel and imposes mixed boundary conditions to the fluid velocity. Our method reposes on the analysis of the linearized system. Under compatibility conditions on the initial conditions, we can guarantee local existence in time of strong solutions to the fluid–structure problem. MSC numbers: 74F10, 74H20, 74H25, 74H30, 76D03.