At the very beginning of the film, when the Excelsior science officer detects the energy wave from the explosion, he says its coming from port, which is the naval term for the left. However, when the shot cuts to the impact on the Excelsior, the wave slams into the ship on the right side!

A few moments later, Sulu gives the order, "Starboard thruster! Turn her into the wave!" The next shot shows the Excelsior veering to the right. Running up a starboard thruster, like running up a starboard propeller on a boat, will drive the ship to the left.

With navigation like this, it's a wonder they get anywhere in the Star Trek universe!